A Collection of Articles dealing with this subject:
The Qur'an and Homosexuality:
There are five references in the Qur'an which have been
cited as referring to gay and lesbian behavior. Some obviously deal with
effeminate men and "masculine women." The two main references to
homosexual behavior are:
"We also sent Lut : He said to his people : "Do ye commit
lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? For
ye practice your lusts on men in preference to women: ye are indeed a
people transgressing beyond bounds." Qur'an 7:80-81
"What! Of all creatures do ye come unto the males, and
leave the wives your Lord created for you? Nay, but ye are forward
folk." Qur'an 26:165
Both references relate to gay sexual activities; lesbian practices are not mentioned in the Qur'an.
Lut is referred to as "Lot" in the Hebrew Scriptures.
This passage is an apparent reference to the activities at Sodom and
Gamorah. It seems to imply that there was no homosexual behavior before
it first appeared in Sodom. This is a uniquely Islamic concept; it does
not appear in Jewish or Christian beliefs. The passage also links the
sin of Sodom (the reason for its destruction) to homosexuality.That
linkage is contradicted by other verses in the Hebrew Scriptures.
The Hadith and homosexuality: The Hadith are collections
of sayings attributed to Muhammad. Many Hadiths (ahadith) discuss liwat
(sexual intercourse between males). Two examples are:
"When a man mounts another man, the throne of God shakes."
"Kill the one that is doing it and also kill the one that
it is being done to." (in reference to the active and passive partners
in gay sexual intercourse)
There is at least one mention of lesbian behavior
mentioned in the Hadith: "Sihaq (lesbian sexual activity) of women is
zina (illegitimate sexual intercourse) among them."
Traditionalist orthodox Muslims generally claim that the
Hadith literature contains the authentic sayings of Muhammad. Many
liberal Muslims doubt their authenticity. The latter might point out
that during the times of the first Caliphs, Muslims did not know what to
do with individuals guilty of "liwat/lutiyya". No sahabi (companion) of
Muhammad could quote a saying or decision of Muhammad relating to this
question.
Treatment of homosexuals within Islam:
According to a pamphlet produced by Al-Fatiha, there is a
consensus among Islamic scholars that all humans are naturally
heterosexual. 5 Homosexuality is seen by scholars to be a sinful and
perverted deviation from the norm. All Islamic schools of thought and
jurisprudence consider gay acts to be unlawful. They differ in terms of
penalty:
The Hanafite school (currently seen mainly in South and Eastern Asia) teaches that no physical punishment is warranted.
The Hanabalites, (widely followed in the Arab world) teach that severe punishment is warranted.
The Sha'fi school of thought (also seen in the Arab
world) requires a minimum of 4 adult male witnesses before a person can
be found guilty of a homosexual act. Al-Fatiha estimates that 4,000
homosexuals have been executed in Iran since their revolution in 1979.
10 public executions of homosexuals have been performed in Afghanistan
by the Taliban army.
The Islamic Society of North America:
Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi of the ISNA said: "Homosexuality is a
moral disorder. It is a moral disease, a sin and corruption... No
person is born homosexual, just like no one is born a thief, a liar or
murderer. People acquire these evil habits due to a lack of proper
guidance and education.""
"There are many reasons why it is forbidden in Islam.
Homosexuality is dangerous for the health of the individuals and for the
society. It is a main cause of one of the most harmful and fatal
diseases. It is disgraceful for both men and women. It degrades a
person. Islam teaches that men should be men and women should be women.
Homosexuality deprives a man of his manhood and a woman of her
womanhood. It is the most un-natural way of life. Homosexuality leads to
the destruction of family life."
I don't know if many people know about this, but on the
Internet, there are some pages about Muslims who are homosexuals. It is
one issue to be Muslim and a homosexual, and another to try to justify
this choice by Allah's (The Exalted) book, the Quran, and the word's of
the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace). InshaAllah, in this
post I will be dealing with the later issue. The first point to make
clear is that as Muslims, we accept Allah (The Exalted) and His Prophet
(Allah bless him and grant him peace) as the authority and final word on
what is right and wrong. This is in important point to be grasped.
Otherwise, there is little use in discussing the issue. This is exactly
where the people who try to justify homosexuality, and other practices
and beliefs, from the Quran go wrong. The point of this post is to make
clear the position of Islam on homosexuality so that there will be no
doubts about it.
Now concerning the evidence, we follow the methodology
laid out by the Muslim scholars. In general, that is to see what the
Quran says about an issue, then the Hadith, and then the consensus of
the scholars, and the analogy can be made. The evidence concerning the
unlawfulness of homosexuality is as follows:
SODOMY AND LESBIANISM
In more than one place in the Holy Koran, Allah recounts
to us the story of Lot's people, and how He destroyed them for their
wicked practice. There is consensus among both Muslims and the followers
of all other religions that sodomy is an enormity. It is even viler and
uglier than adultery.
Allah Most High says: "Do you approach the males of
humanity, leaving the wives that Allah has created for you? But you are a
people who transgress" Koran (26:165-66)
(1) The Prophet (saws) said: (1) "Kill the one who
sodomizes and the one who lets if be done to him." (Tirmidhi, a sahih
(authentic) hadith)
(2) "May Allah curse him who does that Lot's people did." (Ibn Hibban, sahih (authentic))
(3) "Lesbianism by women is adultery between them." (Tabarani, sahih)"
Taken from the Reliance of the Traveller, transltaed by Nuh Ha Mim Keller, p 664-665.
There are a lot more Hadiths on the issue, and the issue
of what is to be done with one who commits sodomy or lesbianism. I will
not deal with these now in this post. All I wanted to do was to show
that the position of Islam on this issue is that it is an enormity
(kaba'ir), and therefore, forbidden, (haram). May Allah (The Exalted)
protect us.
What is forbidden in Islam- Homosexuality or practicing Homosexuality?
The common concept for Muslim homosexuals is to commit
suicide since they can't be punished for being homosexuals in a
non-Islamic state, but two wrongs don't make one right. While
homosexuality is wrong, it doesn't justify suicide under any conditions
or circumstances. Please know that if you ever commit suicide, you would
have seriously misunderstood Islam and its spirit. If you were ever
involved in sexual homosexual acts in the past, you should truly and
sincerely repent to Allah, The Merciful, The Gracious, and pledge to Him
never to get involved in any homosexual acts anymore. Please note that
there is a difference to actually being involved in a homosexual act
-which is a sin - from having sexual feelings that you try to control,
that you don't express in public, which is not sinful if you try to
control them. If medical or psychological counseling helps, then get it,
but know that Allah is The Curer, and the Qur'an is your best
companion. Give charity, pray, make dua', and Allah will not leave you
alone. You have got to believe in the infinite amount of Mercy Allah
provides to His servants, and you should also realize that He forgives,
if He wishes, all types of sins, except the sin of disbelieving in Him.
What is sinful in homosexuality is the actual sexual act
between the couple of a similar sex. if you transform your desires into
a struggle and a challenge to overcome it and not physically commit it,
then insha'Allah, you will get the reward for it.
Don't lose hope! Fear Allah (S.W.T), ask Him for help
earnestly, never give up, and do something to get rid of even the idea
of homosexuality. Try to avoid all of the circumstances that trigger
your homosexual feelings: don't get alone with an attractive man, always
be in the company of others, don't get involved in deep / personal
discussions with any person that you may think will trigger your
homosexual feeling. Stay away from any other people who have similar
feelings. Don't even think in such an idea of this subject, keep
yourself busy in different useful thing, and stay away of anything that
remind you of homosexuality. Keep a POSITIVE thinking in your mind and
keep saying to yourself that you can do something about it. Don't ever
say I can't. Remember with every step you are taking toward getting rid
of this habit you are getting help and reward from Allah (S.W.T) and you
are annoying the shaytan.
Also for many Homosexual Muslims the concept of getting
married is unappealing. Having this feeling should not prevent you from
considering to get married in the future. You will discover that
marriage is more than simply fulfilling your sexual needs... Your wife
will insha'Allah bring you peace, tranquility, joy, security, and many
other feelings that every human being needs, irrelevant of their "sexual
partners". Also, while Muslims are not allowed to lie, you should keep
this feeling to yourself and not share it with her or your parents for
many reasons... Be patient and make it a lifelong struggle for
yourself... You will see how rewarding it is at the end... Remember,
there is in this world many compulsive gamblers, alcoholics, adulterers,
thieves, but many of them control it and refrain from doing it... If
they aren't Muslims and have the will to do it, you are a Muslim and you
have Allah on your side when you seek His Help. There is no way you
will fail insha'Allah...
Homosexuality and Islam
Below are some verses in the Quran that speak against
homosexuality. Those people who make a god (ilah) of there own lusts are
clearly in the wrong. Prophet Lut spoke against this evil practice of
his people. Their only reply was: "Bring us the Wrath of God if thou
tellest the truth." They soon found out who was telling the truth when
Allah destroyed them all. Let it be known right now that there is NO
SUCH THING AS A GAY MUSLIM!!! A Muslim is one who submits himself to the
will of Allah. Those who practice this evil have submitted themselves
to their own desires and have turned their backs on the clear teachings
of Islam. These people will use any kind of rationalization to justify
their sinful practices. Be not deceived by the smooth tactics of
Shaitan. He will try everything to guide us from the wrong way.
If you have these homosexual desires in you seek refuge
in Allah and Allah will help you. Allah has revealed the truth. All
praise is for Allah!!!
Verses From Qur'an:
026.165-166 "Of all the creatures in the world, will ye
approach males, And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be
your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!"
027.055 Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant!
029.028-29 And (remember) Lut: behold, he said to his
people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever)
committed before you. Do ye indeed approach men, and cut off the
highway?- and practise wickedness (even) in your councils?" But his
people gave no answer but this: they said: "Bring us the Wrath of God if
thou tellest the truth."
Hadeeth (saying of prophet Muhammad) regarding homosexuality:
Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri: The Prophet (saws) said: A
man should not look at the private parts of another man, and a woman
should not look at the private parts of another woman. A man should not
lie with another man without wearing lower garment under one cover; and a
woman should not be lie with another woman without wearing lower
garment under one cover. (Abu Dawood)
Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Prophet (saws) said: A man
should not lie with another man and a woman should not lie with another
woman without covering their private parts except a child or a father.
He also mentioned a third thing which I forgot. (Abu Dawood)
Discussion:
Allah condemns homosexuality explicitly in the Qur'an:
"Do you approach the males of humanity, leaving the wives Allah has
created for you? Nay, You are a people who transgress." (26:165-166) It
is the sin of the people of Lut and its Arabic word is lutiyya. Liwat is
the word for sodomy, under which heading the topic of homosexuality is
found in the books of fiqh. Under shari`a both the (same-sex) sodomizer
and sodomized are passible of death. The laws of other religions were
similar until not so long ago. The Companions considered it so abhorrent
that they subjected the culprits to burning, an extreme punishment not
meted out for any other offense. As for lesbianism, the Prophet,
blessings and Peace upon him said that it consisted in zina (adultery)
and so it is subject to the same ruling as zina, which is death for the
married, and lashes for the unmarried. Our relaxed attitude in this day
and age is purely a product of the times in which we live, where morals
have been completely liquefied so that we no longer know the difference
between black and white so to speak. If someone was covered with dirt
from head to toes and insists that it is his way of life, we would not
keep company with them for one second. What about someone who insists on
his transgression when even the shari`a of Jews and Christians
explicitly condemn it?
Article - Homosexuality and Islam - An Islamic Perspective
There has been a lot of discussion lately on the issue of
Homosexuality. There is a tendency, ever so slight, among some of us to
make this behavior acceptable in the name of fairness and tolerance. On
the other hand there are those who would suggest summary execution of
those engaging in homosexual behavior. This confusing message can be a
danger in that it can erode and dilute some of our basic values. Let me
preface my suggestions to develop an effective way to address this very
sensitive and critical issue, with some background information.
Homosexuality is, of course, not a new behavior. It has
existed in practically all cultures and among all people, but usually in
fewer numbers and in secrecy, not with an "in your face" attitude as it
does in the west now. Unfortunately this is the reality of the times we
live in, especially in the western societies, and we need to deal with
it. The Homosexual, or the gay as they call themselves, in an attempt to
polish their image, constitute a very active and powerful lobby group.
They have strong political and social ties and access to the elites of
the society, especially in the US, up to and including President
Clinton. Even though majority of the people in the US believe that
homosexual behavior is wrong, it is intriguing, but never the less
remarkable, that the homosexuals have gained public acceptance for their
behavior in a very short period of time. This acceptance by the US
public is a reflection of people who are committed to their cause and
give due thought, time, money and effort to achieve their purpose,
though a wrong one. The homosexual's agenda is a very simple one to make
their behavior acceptable as NORMAL, and in the process recruit more to
their ranks. They have a sophisticated and multifaceted campaign to
achieve their goals. These include active participation in social and
political issues other than their immediate ones, like feeding the
hungry and dealing with human right issues. They promote their agenda
through legislation, presenting themselves as victims of prejudice and
discrimination, helping to enact the gender discrimination act,
legalizing and securing full benefits for same gender marriage, funding
research similar to the hypothalamus issue (which shows a genetic
propensity to homosexuality), teaching at even kindergarten level that
the two-male or the two female can make a family unit which is an
acceptable alternative that is even comparable to the traditional MOM
and POP family, religious and moral blurring on the stand by
establishing gay churches and synagogues, etc. etc. The most effective
milestone in the homosexual movement, was probably when in 1976 the
American Psychiatric Association (APA) declared that homosexuality was
no longer to be considered an illness but was to be regarded merely as
an orientation or a sexual variant. The rest, as they say, is history.
This made a lot of people very suspicious of the scientific community,
who went against known scientific data that the homosexual behavior can
be changed. Even though the APA has taken an official stand, this debate
continues and many prominent members of APA oppose this stand. Again
this has happened and continues to happen even in religious circles,
amongst Muslims and others, where experts or priests make pronouncements
in favor of those from whom they stand to gain favors at the expense of
the masses and against clear moral and/or scientific stands supporting
the contrary or opposite views.
The strength of the movement was demonstrated by the
outbreak of AIDS. Up to that point in history, there was a standard to
deal with ALL communicable diseases. The scientifically developed and
tested system that is in place to contain communicable diseases was
bypassed with political muscle. As a result, the disease spread very
rapidly and affected many innocent lives through blood supply and other
preventable methods whose implementation was suppressed politically.
AIDS, a communicable disease up to that point that mainly affected the
homosexuals, was forced to become a political issue and became the
exception to the rule. The innocent were put at risk and their lives
made a living hell, some were even lost just for a political gain. The
lie that is being promoted is that AIDS is equally rampant amongst the
heterosexuals as it is amongst the homosexuals. Statistics contradicts
this statement.
The homosexual movement has a strong network of support
groups who encourage each other to "come out of the closet", thus
advancing and actively promoting this behavior. They thrive on conflict
amongst the family and/or community members. They have been known to
provide moral, psychological, social, and financial support to any one
of their own who is making the transition into their lifestyle or who is
"coming out of the closet", so to speak.
They use proven methodologies in changing social
acceptability and behavior towards themselves. Like the shows on
television, they will introduce the radical issue which will provoke a
hue and cry from all quarters the first time out, the second time there
is less and in subsequent times the opposition will die out. They then
discuss, or frame the issue as it is known, to convince us of their
legitimacy and how wrong, narrow minded and bigots all these moralists
are. The trick is to say it enough times, and what was once a taboo to
even talk about is becoming normal, acceptable, and even desirable to
more and more people.
They now have an annually "Gay Pride Parade" in many US
cities with full fledged TV coverage. A "Gay Pride Month" has been
established in some school districts to remove bigotry and prejudice.
Additionally, colleges and universities have a profound impact on the
intellectual development of our young people. It is the time in their
lives where new and independent thoughts are introduced, incubate, and
develop. However, most of these institution are a bedrock of secular
extremism and promote all other values except the divine ones. In these
circles, it is politically and socially acceptable to talk about,
promote and experiment with all behaviors, homosexuality included, but
to discuss and further divine values is considered being close minded
and narrow. The argument from some of the elites of these institutions
is that we need to adhere to the separation of church and state, which
has historical merit. In fact, it is obvious to most observers that what
is meant is to take God out of the equation and confine Him to the
walls of homes, mosques, churches, and synagogues only. We, the yuths
and the parents, all need to be aware of these trends so as to enable us
to develop an effective way to deal with these issues and inoculate
ourselves against harmful behaviors. This is a summary of our study of
the homosexual movement that we undertook to try and understand various
movements, religious and those based on other various causes, that have
succeeded to transform themselves from being the abhorred or persecuted
groups to becoming key players in the American society. Homosexual
movement is one of them, the others are the Irish Catholics, the
Quakers, etc. The reason for providing the background information here
is to first to come to grips with the sophisticated nature of the
problem, and know who we and our youths are dealing with. The second is
to enable us to formulate an effective response to it.
discussion here of homosexuality is a reflection of the
success of their movement to force us to address this as an issue, even
though we would rather not. We do not know how many can claim, with any
degree of certainty, the pervasiveness of this behavior amongst our
community members. We are for sure affected by the society in which we
live, however I think on this score, we as a community, have not yet
been too adversely affected. In our studies of the youths of Toronto,
which was subsequently published in a book entitled "Muslim Youths at
the Crossroads, Advancing into the 21st Century", we did not see this as
a major problem. This does not mean that it has not developed into a
problem now, or that we do not need to address this as an issue now. I
believe that any discussion needs to take into consideration the
following:
We as Muslims need to state unequivocally and
unambiguously that homosexuality is a deviant behavior and that there is
not even an iota of doubt that Islam condemns the behavior.
* The most important thing for us as Muslims is that
Islam is not our ethnicity, it is our religion which regulates our lives
and from which we derive our values.
* Even though our religion allows us latitude, more than
most, to ponder and reconsider some issues, homosexuality is clearly and
explicitly condemned by the Quran (7:80-83, 11:77-79), the Prophet, and
his progeny.
* When we have a conflict with the Quran, which is the
word of God verbatim, we do not ask where the Quran went wrong but
rather why are we, limited beings, in conflict with the wisdom of the
absolute, God Almighty.
* As Muslims we do not make up our religion, but we receive it and we obey it.
* Thus stated, we need to clarify, that it does not mean
that we hate the homosexual person but rather that we find the behavior
abhorable. We want to help with sensitivity and care whoever has these
tendencies, or practices such behavior. We can further point out the
following:
God has created everything in pairs each endowed with
physical and psychological characteristics to complement and complete
one another. The Quran (4:1) indicates that human beings have been
created from one living entity (nafs), which represents the origin of
both the male and the female. The human species though has included male
and female since its existence. The "mating" or "spousing" of male and
female sexes is original in human nature and out of this instinctive
relationship the human race develops, continues and spreads.
Between the two sexes a gravitating combination of love,
tenderness, and care is engendered, so that each finds in the other
completeness, tranquility, and support (Quran 30:21). Having children
and loving them represents another fulfillment of the human nature
(Quran 42:49-50). It is through this spousal complementation and
completion, according to the Quran (7:189), that each spouse achieves
comfort, and enjoys peace of mind, satisfaction, and fulfillment. These
relationships extend beyond the physical sexual contact and to
psychological, spiritual relations.
The blessings of this completeness are not ended by their
accomplishment, but they continue and develop through bringing forth
children, raising them, and providing the whole family with material,
emotional, and moral needs.
The pleasures of completion and procreation may well be
extended and multiplied, when one is granted grand children, who not
only represent genealogical continuation, but are also a dynamic
revitalization of the human race.
Such physical-psychological-spiritual development through
spousing and mating, followed by procreation, that may continue for
more than one generation, ought to lead every sensible human being to be
grateful to God for His successive and multiplying favors with his own
family throughout his lifetime. Such persons and their happy veritable
families would be models for the whole society (Quran 25:72).
* One of the criteria or litmus test of a behavior that
is beneficial to humanity at large is, "what if the action that you are
promoting is exercised by a majority of the people of the world? Will it
advance humanity or will it retard it?" In this case human beings will
cease to exist.
* If there is any truth to the claim that the male
homosexual behavior could be genetic, how about the bisexuals and the
lesbians. They for sure are making a choice and by our standards a wrong
one too.
* The debate and the argument advanced by the homosexuals
is "Be what you are," and "do not be ashamed of it". Many unsuspecting
youths then start to experiment, to "discover" what they really are.
They are in fact being unwittingly, and in their most suggestible period
of growth, led astray with the power of suggestion and a convoluted
logic. Whoever we are, whatever one might be, it is ennobling to always
try to do what is right.
* Even if there is a genetic propensity towards
homosexuality, it is the nobility of the human spirit that can overcome
it. There are suggestions that alcoholics are genetically pre-disposed
to their behavior. Furthermore, some people are inherently prone to take
risks, which is an essential element for human progress and
development. This pre-disposition to risk taking behavior can easily
lead to the destructive behavior of gambling. We do not encourage the
people with a propensity to alcoholism or gambling to keep on indulging
in these vices, but rather encourage them to resist and overcome them We
should do the same with homosexual feelings and tendencies. Whether one
has the orientation or harbors "homosexual genes," one's feelings and
desires cannot dictate behavior. One may have a strong urge to have a
homosexual contact, a heterosexual contact with one other than one's own
spouse, or to steal or kill. The nobility of the human spirit is to
resist, and this is what elevates the human being to the status above
that of the angels.
* There is a period during our growth process where we
are most comfortable with and try to bond with persons of the same
gender. Some carry this behavior to an extreme and experiment with
homosexuality. Some Psychiatrists still believe that those who continue
with the homosexual behavior are really arrested in their development
process. They avoid or are afraid to continue with the normal
psychological growth. This condition is treatable by psychotherapy.
The reality of the society requires that we argue our
positions, and deal with issues, as they prevail using some of the
existing societal rationale. Though the thinking may fall short of our
ideal, it can be an effective start in changing and moving the debate
closer to our view point and values. The following two points are made
with this thought in mind.
* As Muslims, we identify and instinctly come to the
defense of any individuals or groups who are discriminated against. This
reaction is due to our foundational value and commitment to justice,
and also from our own contemporary experiences, as individuals and as
members of a group, who have suffered from discrimination and
vilification.
While we abhor acts of discrimination against individuals
or groups, we also place a high value on discretion. The individual's
right of choice is a fundamental value and necessary condition for each
individual to be accountable to God for his/her own actions. God's
guidance secures the balance between the individual's and societal
rights. No one has a right to spy into the private lives and affairs of
individuals. Even when these private affairs should incidentally be
known, the admonition is to keep them private and protect those
involved.
However, when one openly declares one's sexual
orientation, a private matter, and then demands special consideration
because of it, we find this an affront to the society's well being.
There are already safeguards and protections under the law against
discrimination that includes heterosexuals and homosexuals. To demand
further special rights and consideration based on how or who we have sex
with, and claim it to be a civil rights issue, is ludicrous. To compare
with and demand special protection as those who have been persecuted
for their national origin, race, color, or creed and religious beliefs
is baseless and has no historical or social justification or parallels.
We will then have to accede similar special demands for protection and
single out groups varying from those who want to have heterosexual
relations to those who are left handed, when they are all currently
protected under existing laws. We are committed to uphold the family
unit and its values, and protection of it as a durable, proven, most
important and socially viable nucleus of any society. There is a
continual struggle and effort to maintain the balance between an
individual's right and society's well being. We place a higher value on
the society's well being than an individual's right to actively promote
counter values that will ultimately damage the society at large. We
therefore have a right to resist and ensure the protection of our values
against such an onslaught. This resistance should never be an
aggression against any individual or groups, but a firm and principled
stand against the counter values being promoted, while promoting our
values in a kinder and gentler fashion with conviction. We have, indeed,
a duty to promote divine wisdom and values that will advance humanity
and that have withstood the test of time.
* Homosexuality is an issue that concerns most main
stream Christians and Jews and we all share a common value. It can
provide an opportunity to work together for the common good of the
society at large.
We, as Muslims, have benefit and blessings of divine
guidance and wisdom. The Quran reminds us that Allah (SWT) will change
the condition of the people only if they themselves put forth the effort
(13:11). If the homosexuals can promote their wrong values with vigor
and succeed, we have a duty and a responsibility to not only make an
effort to arrest this trend, but also to invest our time, energy, and
resources to promote the divine values with as much zeal.
Our challenge is to explore and find ways to resist and
counter this movement amongst our own families, immediate community, the
Muslim Ummah, and the whole of humanity. This is our destiny and the
challenge of the times we live in. Action more than rhetoric will make
us worthy of Allah's (SWT) help and mercy and will endear us to Him. The
question is what are you, and in turn all of us collectively, going to
do to promote our values, and counter this threat?
What is Islam's view of homosexuality?
There is no doubt that in Islam homosexuality is
considered 'sinful'. Homosexuality as far as Islam is concerned is a
profound mistake ( as are all sins if they are not intending to do
wrong). Humans are not homosexuals by nature. People become homosexuals
because of their environments. Particularly critical is the environment
during puberty. Suggestions, ideas & strange dreams are symptoms of
confused attempts to understand new and blunt sexual desires and are
rashly interpreted as defining someone as being one sexuality or
another. If these conclusions are accompanied by actual homosexual acts
they are even more strongly reinforced.
Human instincts can be subjected to acts of will.
Sexuality is a choice of identity which follows choices of action which
follow from choices of what to have sexual fantasies about. Human beings
are especially able to control their thoughts, entertaining some and
dismissing others.
However, if this free will is not recognised it is easy
to get into a cycle of thinking which starts from accepting a hypothesis
about yourself as true rather than as a possible choice (even if the
options are sometimes difficult).For example: "I am lazy " could be
supposed true by someone. When the person who thinks this lies around in
bed in the morning he observes this inaction as evidence of the
statement "I am lazy." As he repeatedly chooses to do so the evidence
mounts and the idea becomes fixed in his identity. It may even have
physical manifestations and change his physiology and psychology. This
process can easily occur for any idea good or bad about the self which
is based largely on evidence resulting from ones own action. The idea
may be "I am 'gay'" or "I am content" or "I love eating lots of food".
The truth is - you are what you choose to be ; you do what you choose to
do ; you think what you choose to think. There may be long time delays
between the causing choices and the effects but anyone can change
themselves. There are reformed ex-drug addicts, reformed ex-compulsive
gamblers and ex-homosexuals. In all these sins prevention is 1000 times
better than cure and much easier.
It has been suggested that homosexuality is genetically
inherited and that those who have this 'predisposition' are victims of
it not sinners of any sort. However, there are other things which are
probably genetically influenced to give predispositions to for example
gambling or alcoholism .It could also be argued (and has been) that it
is programmed into men's genetics for them to be unfaithful to their
partner. All these things don't make it the right thing to do, nor does
it prevent these things from being regarded as sinful. Drinking alcohol
will still be regarded as sinful in Islam even if you have a
predisposition to be an alcoholic. The trick as every post alcoholic
will tell you is never touch another drop after you quit - it is a long
slippery slope - your life is better without it. Once a certain desire
is connected to your identity strongly and you get in some way hooked on
it, it will always be easy to return to it - you are unable to forget
the satisfaction. The difficult task is remembering the bad side of the
desire, such as hangovers, lost money, self loathing or a simply sense
of loss because of what you missed out on. But if you are to change for
the better, you must remember this and the past desires you bound up
with your identity can become disconnected from what you choose to
become.
What does Islam say about homosexuality?
Taken from the book titled 'Common Questions People Ask About Islam' by Shabir Ally.
Islam teaches that homosexual acts are sinful and
punishable by God. This teaching comes not from human beings, but from
the Creator of all humans. God tells us in His own words how He punished
the people of Lot for their homosexual behaviour.
The story of prophet Lot, on whom be peace, finds mention
in several Qur'anic passages, especially Chapter 26:160-175 which
reads: "The people of Lut rejected the apostles. Behold, their brother
Lut said to them: "Will ye not fear (God)? "I am to you an apostle
worthy of all trust. "So fear God and obey me. "No reward do I ask of
you for it: my reward is only from the lord of the Worlds. "Of all the
creatures in the world, will ye approach males, "And leave those whom
God has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people
transgressing (all limits)!" They said: "If thou desist not, O Lut! thou
wilt assuredly be cast out!" He said: "I do detest your doings." "O my
Lord! deliver me and my family from such things as they do!" So We
delivered him and his family,- all Except an old woman who lingered
behind. But the rest We destroyed utterly. We rained down on them a
shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were
admonished (but heeded not)! Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them
do not believe. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might Most
Merciful."
From these passages we learn that God saved Lot and the
righteous ones of his family, and rained on the rest a shower of
brimstone, so they were utterly destroyed. This is mentioned in the
Qur'an not only for the sake of information, but mainly to serve as a
warning to anyone who dares to repeat such acts.
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